Lobed Cactus Coral – Lobophyllia serrata

, Lobed Cactus Coral - Lobophyllia serrata, Lobophyllia serrata
Depth: 0 - 30 m

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

Lobed Cactus Coral, scientifically known as Lobophyllia serrata, is a captivating coral species renowned for its distinctive, lobed structure. This coral exhibits a fascinating array of characteristics and plays a vital role in the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Description & Characteristics

Lobophyllia serrata is characterized by its robust, lobed colonies that can reach a maximum size of several feet in diameter. These colonies are comprised of numerous individual polyps, each with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles. The coral’s surface is typically covered in a network of ridges and furrows, adding to its intricate and textured appearance. The color of Lobophyllia serrata can vary considerably, ranging from pale brown to deep green, with some individuals exhibiting bright orange or yellow hues.

Habitat and Occurrence

Lobophyllia serrata is a coral species well-adapted to a diverse range of marine environments. It is commonly found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, typically ranging from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth. This species is also often found in neritic zones, which encompass the coastal waters above the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

Lobophyllia serrata is classified within the animal kingdom, belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. This species falls under the Class Hexacorallia, which encompasses corals with six-fold symmetry in their polyps. Within this class, Lobophyllia serrata belongs to the Order Scleractinia, also known as stony corals. These corals are characterized by their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons. Finally, Lobophyllia serrata is a member of the Family Lobophylliidae, which includes a variety of lobed and branching corals.

Feeding

Lobophyllia serrata exhibits a unique feeding strategy that combines both autotrophic and heterotrophic methods. As a host to symbiotic zooxanthellae, Lobophyllia serrata derives nourishment from the products of photosynthesis, mainly glucose and oxygen. This symbiotic relationship is vital for the coral’s survival in nutrient-poor waters. However, Lobophyllia serrata also actively captures food, extending its tentacles to snag plankton, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and small invertebrates. This combination of feeding methods allows Lobophyllia serrata to thrive in a variety of environments, adapting to diverse food availability.

Associated Species

Image References

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